How to Start a Blog That Makes Money

Introduction

• The speaker has over five years of blogging experience.
• Currently makes over $120,000 a month from blogging.
• Started blogging in college from scratch.
• Video covers what the speaker wishes they knew at the start.
• Focus on learning and improving each year.

Key Initial Steps

1. Start with a Self-Hosted WordPress Blog

• Highly recommends starting with a self-hosted WordPress blog.
• Avoid hosted platforms like Squarespace or Blogspot.
• Essential for applying to affiliate networks and sponsorships.
• Started on Bluehost (cost-effective option).
  • Other options: Big Scoots (mid-range), own database (high-end).
• Transition to Big Scoots after growth.

2. Purchase a WordPress Theme

• Important for a professional-looking website.
• Range of themes available from free to expensive.
• Started with a $65 theme, now uses custom themes.
• Avoid self-design unless experienced.

Yearly Focus

Year 1: Building Foundation

• Ad Agency: Focused on joining an ad agency for initial revenue.
• Pinterest: Used Pinterest to drive traffic and page views.
  • Strategy-focused approach to Pinterest marketing.
  • Suggests YouTube for free advice if courses are too costly.

Year 2: Monetization and SEO

• Affiliate Marketing: Focused on Amazon Associates and other affiliates.
• SEO: Essential for long-term traffic.
  • Structured content for better visibility on search engines.
  • SEO is crucial for consistent traffic and revenue.

Year 3: Community Building

• Email List: Important asset for reader engagement.
  • Developed strategies for email marketing.
• Social Media Launch: Started Instagram and YouTube.
  • Built community and increased engagement.
• Hiring: Began hiring to manage the increased workload.

Year 4: Expanding Business

• Creating Courses: Developed courses based on expertise.
  • Courses provided passive income.
• New Ventures: Started an interior design firm.
  • Expanded into related business areas.

Year 5: New Platforms and Scaling

• TikTok Focus: Leveraged TikTok for brand exposure.
• New Business Ventures: Developed planner business.
  • Tied to the blog’s audience and expertise.
• Hiring Full-Time Employees: Transition from part-time to full-time staff.

Conclusion

• Emphasizes the importance of strategic growth and learning.
• Encourages taking courses to speed up the learning process.
• Invites feedback and questions for future content creation.